The “B” Association and Baylor Athletics will recognize the Dynamic Backfield Duo from Baylor’s 1974 SWC Championship Team, running backs Steve Beaird and Pat McNeil, as 2018 Baylor Football Legends at the Baylor vs. TCU game on Saturday, November 17.

This legendary duo led the Bears to their first conference championship in 50 years in 1974, earning an invitation to the Cotton Bowl (1975) for the first time ever, and elevating Head Coach Grant Teaff to a national icon.

A victory over the Texas Longhorns on November 9, 1974, known as the Miracle on the Brazos, pushed the Bears to a 8-4 season record and a 6-1 mark in the Southwest conference. The team finished the season nationally ranked No. 12. 

Senior tailback Steve Beaird, a first team All-SWC selection and Baylor’s first 1,000-yard rusher, was named the league’s Most Valuable Player by the Houston Post in 1974. He was later selected to Baylor Football’s All-Decade team of the 1970s.

An important part of Beaird’s rushing success was the blocking of his backfield mate Pat McNeil. McNeil was a three year starter for the Bears and a key player in the offensive unit that led the league in multiple categories in 1974. Following his senior season, McNeil was selected by the Kansas City Chiefs in the 1975 NFL Draft. He played professionally for the Chiefs, the New England Patriots, and the Edmonton Eskimos of the CFL, winning the Grey Cup in 1978, along with future pro football hall of famer Warren Moon as his teammate.

Please join the “B” Association at McLane Stadium this Saturday as we pay tribute to 2018 Baylor Football Legends, Steve Beaird and Pat McNeil.

2018 Baylor Football Legends

Sept. 1 vs. Abilene Christian – Bruce Davis, 1981-83
Sept. 15 vs. Duke – Joe Johnson, 1971-74
Oct. 6 vs. Kansas State – Michael “Big Mike” Johnson, 1994-97
Nov. 3 vs. Oklahoma State (Homecoming) – Ervin Randle, 1981-84
Nov. 17 vs. TCU – Pat McNeil, 1972-75, and Steve Beaird, 1973-74

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